Tag Archives: staying safe in the air

1. Fly in larger airplanes

Bigger planes tend to be more closely scrutinized by airplane safety inspectors than smaller planes due to the larger number of people who will rely on its safety daily. Larger planes also provide more protection for the passengers and generally have higher survival rates than smaller planes.

2. Pick airlines with good safety records

Before buying your discount airline tickets on a web-site, make sure the airline has a good safety record by consulting this list of airline accident rates.

3. Do not bring prohibited items with you on the plane

In order to avoid problems with TSA officers, do not bring dangerous items with you on the plane. Consult this list if you are not sure if an item is considered to be prohibited or not.

4. Make sure your friends/relatives know your itinerary

Not only would this help them find out when your plane is scheduled to land, but in case of an emergency they could use this information when communicating with search and rescue / law enforcement departments. One way is to call your friends just before taking off and call them again when you safely land. Alternatively, you can use a personal worrying robot service like WorryBot.com to schedule a check-up call on you a few hours after your scheduled landing time.

5. Pack your prescription medication in your carry-on bag

No matter where you are flying, always bring all your prescription medications with you. If you are required to take your medication on a regular schedule, pack it into your carry-on bag. Checked luggage can easily get delayed or even lost.

6. Put your cell phone into airplane or game mode

Cellular communication devices operate on frequencies that may interfere with aircraft communication equipment. If your device has an airplane or game mode, be sure to enable it as soon as you board the plane and flight attendants instruct you to disable portable devices. If your cell phone is an older model without an airplane mode, keep it off until the plane lands. Consult the FAA Cell Phone Fact Sheet for more information.

7. Fasten your seatbelt when seated

Turbulence is the leading cause of injuries in non-fatal accidents. The FAA reports that about 58 people are injured every year in the United States while not wearing their seat belts. In order to stay safe during turbulence, be sure to fasten your seatbelt whenever you are in your seat. If turbulence happens when you are standing or walking, get to your seat as soon as possible! Use other seats to keep your balance. If turbulence is excessively violent, try lowering your center of gravity by staying closer to the aisle floor.

8. Avoid flying during cold winters

Ice and snow, either on the runway or on the body of the aircraft itself, can be major factors in accidents that happen during winter.

9. Make sure your immunizations are current

If you will be staying at your destination for an extended period of time, be sure all your immunizations are current. This is especially important if you are flying to countries with sub-par healthcare system.